Share this video

Watch Next

Commercial aircraft are built to safely withstand lightning and electrical storms - with the cabins protected from electrical currents.

Stuart Smith said on Twitter: “My Flybe plane just got struck by lightening flying from Manchester to Amsterdam, just landed back in Manchester #terrifying.”

He added an hour ago “So Flybe, how about some sort of update or activity, still stuck on plane, this is my 40th birthday treat, at least bring me a whiskey!”

The airline said in a statement: "Flybe can confirm that the aircraft operating the above flight returned from airborne this morning as a precautionary measure following a lightning strike.

"The aircraft landed safely without further incident and all 56 passengers disembarked as normal; they are being re-accommodated on an alternate aircraft that is scheduled to depart from Manchester at 10:00 local time.

The snow also caused disruption on the roads this morning (Photo: Sean Hansford)

"The incidence of lightning is a relatively common in-flight weather occurrence throughout the world.

"As a result, certification demands all aircraft must be rigorously tested and conductive airframes proven to be able to withstand the harshest weather conditions and that no on-board technical equipment or apparatus, that includes fuel tanks, are at risk of damage in any way from any such lightning activity.

"The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline’s number one priority and Flybe would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience experienced from the disruption to their travel."

A Manchester Airport spokesman confirmed the pilot had asked to return due to a “technical issue.”

At the moment there are said to be no other reported delays or cancellations due to the weather.